Simon Linares, Group HR director, Direct Line

Direct Line's group HR director Simon Linares has international experience across several sectors including consumer goods, telecommunications and digital. He joined Direct Line in September 2014 and leads the HR, communications, public affairs and CSR agendas for this FTSE 100 organisation.

Linares was previously human resources director for Telefonica's digital businesses globally. Prior to that, he was group human resources director of 02's European businesses, having had previous success in senior HR roles with Diageo, including responsibility for Africa, Spain and Portugal. A strong multicultural background and experience, together with fluent Spanish, gives him a platform for successful engagement and operation across geographies, cultures and industries.

Linares is also a trustee of KidsOut, the charity for disadvantaged children www.kidsout.org.uk